Update 3: Plenty of people are bitching about the price of the new book in Malaysia (storm in a fucking small teacup). My take? Just pay whatever you think the book is worth, then get on with it. If you think it is worth £18 then pay it. If you think it is worth £9 then go find a shop that sells it at that price. If you think Rowling is rich enough already, torrent it. If you worship her then send her a cheque. It is your choice. But you can't force a store to set the price based on your needs.

Not really. Contary to the New York Times opinion, Rowling isn't Shakesphere (not even close). She can write but her imagination is too limited. Too many plot holes that are cheaply covered up. But it is an entertaining if not a predictable series.